A new retirement complex on the edge of a Preston village looks set to go ahead – despite a mass of objections.
Farmland to the west of Preston Road in Grimsargh has been earmarked to become an ‘older persons village’.
Your Housing Group wants to build a 60-bedroom care home and 60 apartments as well as 20 bungalows on the site.
A doctors surgery and a park would also be included in the development.
Preston Rural East councillor and Conservative group leader Neil Cartwright has led the objections.
He said: “The site is close to a very sharp bend and traffic approaching from Longridge would have limited visibility when turning right ouf of the site.
“The proposed development would be a significant traffic generator, which would exacerbate congestion at peak times.”
Read more: Community centre and housing plan is dividing a village near Preston
There have been 39 letters of objection from nearby residents saying the development would be too big for Grimsargh and take away open space.
Grimsargh Parish Council has also objected saying the proposal is ‘too large’ and also outlining how they think ‘over 55s should be integrated into the community rather than being concentrated on one site.’.
Not all Grimsargh residents are against the proposals, with 12 letters received by Preston City Council which back the plans.
They point to the new doctors surgery and how the development would help tackle the growing older population in the area.
Read more: Grimsargh resident calls for safety review after ‘bus near miss’
Planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval.
They write: “Representations both supporting and objecting to the proposed development have been received. All representations received have been carefully considered and taken into account.
“The principle of the proposed development in the location proposed does not accord with the development plan. However there are material considerations that indicate that the proposal should be determined other than in accordance with the development plan. Firstly the provision of both market and social housing are both social and economic benefits of the proposal and these benefits are not diminished owing to the Council having a five year supply of housing land.
“Furthermore there is a demonstrated need for the proposed accommodation and different types of tenure would be offered advancing further social benefits. Although the proposed development would result in the loss of open countryside, it would not have a significant or unacceptable adverse effect upon the landscape character or the open character of the open countryside. Moreover the proposed development would result in no increased risk of a merger of the Preston urban area and Grimsargh and there would be no significant harm to the local distinctiveness of Grimsargh as a separate village. Lastly the proposed development would have no unacceptable impact in terms of traffic and highway safety, flood risk, ecology, ground conditions, mineral resources, safety and security and the amenity of existing local residents.
“The proposed buildings would be energy efficient, well designed and would not detract from the setting of Grimsargh St. Michael’s Church. It is considered that the proposed development would bring social, economic and environmental benefits that outweigh the conflict with the development plan and the environmental harm associated with the loss of open countryside. Overall the material considerations indicate that the proposed development represents sustainable development and should be approved.”
Councillors will hear the proposals at the city council’s planning committee on Thursday (8 February) at the Town Hall.
Do you live in Grimsargh? What do you think about the proposed development? Let us know in the comments below